It’s so important that every resident plays their part by doing things differently. Through working together, we can help make improvements and create a better future for us all.

Check your carbon footprint

Your carbon footprint is a measure of your carbon emissions compared to everyone else. This includes energy use that you build up when you travel or use electricity, but it also includes the energy produced in making the food you buy or the services you use.

The WWF calculator takes your emissions of greenhouse gases and creates your carbon footprint.

Decarbonisation support for local businesses

If you are an SME based in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, you can access up to £500 towards an energy audit for your premises. We are also continuing to provide funded Carbon Literacy for SMEs to increase climate education and awareness within our private sector. Both schemes are funded by BCP Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information, email economicdevelopment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Energy

You may be eligible for the Local Energy Action Scheme (LEAP) which gives you free help and gadgets to help cut down your energy bills.

The CSE website has more tips and advice on making your home more energy efficient.

Travel

By making more sustainable travel choices you can improve your wellbeing, get healthier and reduce your air pollution while saving time and money.

Bike Share with Beryl offers 1,000 bikes and 219 bays in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

If you have space in your car or you are looking to share with someone else, Car Share Dorset is available in the community.

MoreBus run bus routes all across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

If you are thinking of changing to an electric vehicle, there are electric vehicle charging points in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Nature

Home composting your waste is great for your garden and provides nutrient rich-food for your plants and flowers. You can make your home a habitat for wildlife or make your garden more environmentally friendly. The National Trust, the Wildlife Trust and the RSPB have further advice.

Waste

There are many ways to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste:

• avoid single-use plastics
• take a refillable bottle to work or while travelling
• avoid single use cutlery for BBQs, picnics or parties
• find alternative uses for things you usually throw away
• upcycle old items into something new
• take old items to new to you in Poole
• recycle the things you cannot use

Doing things differently

Fighting climate change is also about our behaviours and lifestyle choices. You can make changes by:

• adding meat free days into your diet
• using a climate change food calculator to see your impact
• buying locally sourced produce
• taking your own bags with you in shops and supermarkets
• using paper bags for your fruit and veg